October 29/02 1:42 am - New Rona Team Member, B.C. 'Cross

Montreal, Quebec, October 29, 2002 - The RONA Cycling Team is proud to announce that the American cyclist Kristen LaSasso signed to join the team in 2003.

Kristen LaSasso, 27, is an ex-triathlete who decided to focus on cycling in 2002. A member of RLX Polo women's amateur cycling team, Kristen improved spectacularly, graduating from category 4 to category 1 cycling in less than one season. A complete athlete, Kristen attended Colorado College on a soccer scholarship and played in NCAA Division 1. In 2000 she was a triathlon All-American and the USA triathlon national age-group (25-29) champion.

This New-Yorker, who lives in Manhattan and sometimes trains in Central Park, came to cycling from triathlon "because I missed the team experience", she says. "And I love the tactical aspect of cycling."

In 2002, Kristen discovered she had a taste and talent for climbing. "As a triathlete I was a terrible climber. But this year I found that I could stay with the good climbers", says this cyclist whose build suits the job - 108 lbs on a 5' 4" frame. "I enjoy that and I'm working very hard to improve my climbing skills."

Indeed it was on hills that she first caught the eye of André Aubut, Team RONA's directeur sportif. "I saw Kristen's work at Fitchburg-Longsjo, at the International (Tour de Å’Toona) and at the Green Mountain in Vermont", he said. "I liked her aggressive racing, the energy and determination she put in attacks or chases. I liked her guts - especially in really tough stages, when the climbs were steep and long. "

Kristen had noticed Team RONA as well. She said, "I had first heard about them last year, but this year I raced in the same field. I liked the way they raced as a team. So I'm determined to do everything I can to help the team. I want to improve, to stay with the leaders up the hills. I can't wait for the season to start!"